Figure 22.15: A bus that runs on soybean oil shows the potential of biofuels. ( 1 )to make sound choices on energy policy.
Lesson Summary
- Air pollutants can be reduced in many ways. The best method is to not use the energy
that produces the pollutants by conservation or increasing energy efficiency. - Alternative energy sources are another good way to reduce pollution. Most of these
alternate energy technologies are still being refined (solar, wind) and some have other
problems associated with them (nuclear, biofuels). - Pollutants can be removed from an exhaust stream by being filtered out or broken
down. Some pollutants are best not released at all like CFCs.
Review Questions
- Since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, why is the air still not clean?
- What are some ways that you can conserve energy?
- How does reducing air pollutants, as described in the Clean Air Act of 1970, affect
greenhouse gas emissions? - What has to be done before alternative energy sources can replace fossil fuels?
- What are catalytic converters?
- Why are hybrid vehicles more energy efficient than regular vehicles powered by internal
combustion engines? - Why aren’t fuel cell vehicles widely available yet?